Split: Half-Day Blue Lagoon, iovo and Trogir Boat Tour

This half-day boat adventure from Split packs a surprising punch, offering a mix of history, stunning scenery, and plenty of chances to relax or snorkel in crystal-clear waters. With a duration of just 5.5 hours and a small-group setting, it’s perfect for travelers who want a taste of the Dalmatian coast without feeling overwhelmed.

What we particularly love about this experience is how smoothly it balances sightseeing with leisure. The small-group size (max 12 passengers) ensures a cozy, personable vibe, and the knowledgeable guides make all the difference—sharing local insights and keeping everyone safe and entertained. However, the trip’s fast pace and multiple stops mean you’ll want to be ready for a full, adventure-filled half day.

This tour suits those who enjoy scenic boat rides, snorkeling, and exploring charming towns. It’s ideal for travelers who prefer a flexible, well-organized experience that covers multiple highlights in a single trip — especially if they appreciate authentic local towns and pristine waters.

Key Points

• Small group size offers a more intimate experience and personalized attention.
• Multiple stops provide a well-rounded taste of the coast, from historic Trogir to beautiful bays.
• Knowledgeable guides enhance the trip with insights and safety, even during bumpy rides.
• Good value for money given the variety of activities, scenic views, and included equipment.
• Snorkeling and swimming opportunities are plentiful, with some reviewers highlighting excellent marine encounters.
• Weather considerations can impact parts of the trip, so flexibility is key.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour kicks off at Gray Line Tours in Split, situated right on the lively Riva promenade. From here, a speedboat takes you on a 30-minute scenic ride across the water. The boat itself is described as modern, with some reviews mentioning the availability of sunbathing mats and a lively atmosphere with music. The small group size ensures a relaxed, spacious environment—even when the boat hits some choppier waters, as some guests noted.

The Trogir Stop

The first major destination is Trogir, a UNESCO World Heritage Site often called “Little Venice.” With over 2,000 years of history, it offers a maze of narrow, cobbled streets and charming architecture. Reviewers appreciated the roughly one-hour walk through its historic center, which offers enough time to get a flavor of its Romanesque-Gothic charm and grab a quick coffee or souvenir. Some noted that the time at Trogir was just about right, though a few wished for a little longer to soak in the atmosphere.

Guides like Leonarda were praised for friendliness and local knowledge, making the quick stop both informative and enjoyable. Reviewers mentioned having enough time to explore without feeling rushed, but also that a longer visit could be preferable for those wanting a deeper dive into its history and shops.

The Blue Lagoon

The highlight for many is the Blue Lagoon, a shallow bay on Drvenik Island’s southeastern side. The water’s famed turquoise glow comes from its sandy seabed mixed with crushed shells. It’s a perfect spot to jump in, swim, or snorkel. Reviewers loved the clarity of the waters and the marine life, with one saying, “you’ll love the views and the chance to relax in the sun.”

Expect about 1.5 hours here, which is enough to float around, snorkel, or simply lounge on the boat or beach. Some reviews mention the shipwreck nearby as an added point of interest, though the snorkel gear provided is basic—mainly goggles—so bringing your own full snorkeling equipment may enhance the experience.

Okrug Gornji on Iovo

Next, the boat heads to Okrug Gornji on Iovo, a pristine bay perfect for swimming and unwinding. Reviewers highlighted the laid-back island vibe and the clear waters that make for great swim and snorkel sessions. Many took the opportunity to relax at Beach Bar Borkko, sipping drinks while enjoying the peaceful surroundings. The roughly one-hour stay here is just enough for a swim, some photos, and a chilled-out moment before heading back to Split.

Return Journey and Scenic Views

The trip back to Split is about 45 minutes, with many guests enjoying the breezy, high-speed ride and lively music on board. The guides and crew, like Marino and Nina, are praised for their friendliness, helpfulness, and safety awareness—even during rougher seas or choppier rides. Some reviewers mentioned that the fast ride was fun but could be a bit bumpy, so travelers prone to seasickness might want to prepare accordingly.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

The Small-Group Advantage

One of the most appreciated aspects is the small-group setting. It’s less crowded, more flexible, and allows for better interaction with guides. This setup also minimizes waiting times and makes the experience more relaxed overall.

Knowledgeable Guides and Crew

Guests consistently praise guides like Leonardo and others for their friendly demeanor and local insights. They’re attentive to guest safety and often go the extra mile—one guest recounted how Lovre jumped into the sea to rescue a friend’s phone! That kind of helpfulness really enhances the experience, especially when you’re in unfamiliar waters.

Scenic, Authentic Stops

The stops at Trogir and the Blue Lagoon aren’t just tourist clichés—they’re genuinely beautiful and worth the visit. Trogir’s historic charm is palpable, and the Blue Lagoon’s turquoise waters are as stunning as expected. The inclusion of a more relaxed island stop at Iovo adds a nice balance, letting guests enjoy local island life.

Value for Money

Costing around $61 per person, this tour offers substantial value. It includes speedboat transportation, snorkeling gear, and the guidance of experienced staff, all within a well-organized itinerary. Guests often mention that the trip feels like good value, especially considering the variety of activities and sights covered.

Authentic Experiences

Many reviews mention the laid-back island vibe, friendly guides, and the chance to see local towns like Trogir—giving travelers a taste of Dalmatian culture beyond just scenic views.

Practical Tips and Considerations

Weather can impact the trip—some guests experienced disappointing weather or choppy waters, which affected their snorkeling or swim experience. It’s wise to check the forecast and be flexible.

Bring your own snorkeling gear if you want a more immersive underwater experience; the provided goggles are basic. Also, pack essentials like sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a towel to enjoy the stops comfortably.

Timing is tight, with around an hour at Trogir and roughly 1.5 hours at the Blue Lagoon. If you’re someone who loves to explore deeply, this might feel a bit rushed—but for most, it’s the right amount of time to see the highlights without overdoing it.

Food and drinks are not included, so plan to bring snacks and water—especially if you’re planning to spend extra time relaxing on the beaches.

Be prepared for the speedboat ride—it’s fast and fun, but can be bumpy. Those prone to seasickness might want to take precautions.

Who Will Love This Tour

This experience is perfect for travelers looking for a coastal adventure with a relaxed vibe. It suits those who appreciate small groups, friendly guides, and scenic stops. It’s especially good for first-time visitors wanting a balanced taste of history, nature, and local culture without committing to a full-day tour.

If you’re a snorkel enthusiast, you’ll find plenty of opportunities, and even casual swimmers will enjoy the calm waters of the Blue Lagoon and island bays. And if you love charming towns, Trogir’s historic streets are a bonus.

This tour might not be ideal for travelers with mobility issues or those seeking a more in-depth exploration of each site, as the stops are brief. Also, those looking for a quieter, less crowded experience may find the busy boat rides a bit lively.

The Sum Up

The Split half-day boat tour stands out as a well-organized, fun, and value-packed experience. It combines scenic beauty, cultural charm, and opportunities for relaxation—all in just over five hours. The small-group setting and friendly guides make it a comfortable choice for those who want a personal touch on their Dalmatian adventure.

It’s especially suited for travelers who enjoy short but sweet excursions—perfect if you’re pressed for time but still want a memorable taste of Croatia’s stunning coast. The combination of beautiful waters, historic towns, and a lively crew ensures a day filled with great photos, good stories, and a relaxed vibe.

If you’re craving a quick escape from Split that offers multiple highlights in one go, this tour is a solid pick. Just remember to bring your sunscreen, your sense of adventure, and maybe a waterproof phone case.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children over 3 years can join, but keep in mind the boat ride is fast and bumpy at times. It’s best suited for kids comfortable with boat travel and swimming.

What should I bring with me?
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, a sun hat, and snacks or drinks since food isn’t included. Also, consider your own snorkeling gear if you want more than goggles.

How long do we stay at each stop?
You’ll have about 1 hour at Trogir, 1.5 hours at the Blue Lagoon, and around 1 hour at Iovo. The return journey takes approximately 45 minutes.

Are meals or drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included, so plan to bring your own refreshments if you want to stay hydrated and energized.

What happens in case of bad weather?
The activity provider reserves the right to change the route or cancel for safety reasons. It’s good to check the weather forecast before booking.

Can I book this tour last minute?
Yes, with flexible booking options and a reservation system, you can often reserve shortly before the tour, but availability varies.

This boat tour from Split offers a balanced mix of natural beauty, historic charm, and fun—all wrapped in a small-group experience that emphasizes safety and local insights. Whether you’re after a quick escape or a first taste of Dalmatia’s coast, it’s definitely worth considering for your Croatia itinerary.